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Wiring a switch/outlet combo

My wife's closet/dressing room has a switch/outlet combination unit on the wall. Today I decided to replace the current unit with a GFCI outlet/switch unit. Upon turning off the power and removing the old switch I became confused. There is only one standard 3 wire romex line running into the box. Looking at the picture of the old switch below, the white wire was connected to the top left terminal, the black wire was connected to the terminal directly below the white one, and the bare wire (ground) was connected to the terminal by itself at the bottom right. I'm really confused what the original electrician did here. I'm also including a picture of the back of the new switch, so if you can provide some suggestions on how to wire it I would be eternally grateful.

Re: Wiring a switch/outlet combo

It appears that the "electrician" (and I use that term loosely here) used the bare ground wire as the neutral in the circuit.

There is no way to safely install an outlet in this box without running new wire.

Based on the level of expertise demonstrated by your question, I can only recommend you call a licensed electrician.

The "Senior Member" designation under my name doesn't mean I know a lot, it just means I talk a lot.I've been a DIYer since I was 12 (thanks, Dad!). I have read several books on various home improvement topics. I do not have any current code books I can refer to. I was an apprentice plumber for two years.

Re: Wiring a switch/outlet combo

I had the same problem in my attic. I bought my house 7 years ago, it was built in the late 1940's. Once I took out the old combo switch, nothing else seemed to work right. I finally ended up putting in 2 units. 1 switch and 1 outlet. I never figured out why the new switch would not work, but this was my solution. I hope this helps.